Lorenzo: Keep calm and think about the championship

30 April 2013

Reigning world champion Jorge Lorenzo is pledging to 'keep calm and think about the championship' ahead of this weekend's much-anticipated home clash between MotoGP's top three Spaniards.

Lorenzo, Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa currently head the 2013 standings after two events. Lorenzo and rookie Marquez have taken one victory each to hold the joint championship lead, with Pedrosa eight-points behind in third.

After trailing the Repsol Hondas throughout the Austin weekend, Lorenzo expects his Yamaha to be far more competitive at Jerez, where he rode to emotional home MotoGP wins in both 2010 and 2011.

Pride and a desire to please his home fans mean Lorenzo is sure to be disappointed with anything less than victory this weekend. However Lorenzo also insists he will keep his emotions in check and do what is best for the championship.

"We arrive in Jerez, a nice track that is really special for all the Spanish riders involved in this championship and always supported by the huge crowd on the grandstands," he said.

"We have to keep calm and think about the Championship because it is so long.

"Normally Jerez is a better track for Yamaha but you never know with this level of riding where you are going to find your best circuit.

"Jerez is smaller than Austin and the straight is much shorter, this will give us less disadvantage. The flowing corners will also help us a lot.

"Jerez is one of my favourite tracks and we will be competitive there for sure," Lorenzo concluded.

Last year saw Lorenzo finish less than one-second from winner Casey Stoner and Lorenzo still holds the Jerez record for the fastest lap and the best pole, both from 2008.

Lorenzo also made his MotoGP debut in the 125cc class at Jerez, although he was forced to miss the first qualifying session because he was too young.

The future star turned 15 years of age before the second session, going out to ride in front of his home crowd for his first grand prix experience.